ALCOHOL AND MEDICATION: POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS INTERACTIONS

A glass of wine or beer can be a pleasant way to unwind or socialize with friends. However, if you’re taking medication, your pharmacist may advise you to limit or avoid this indulgence for several reasons:

Potential Consequences of Combining Alcohol and Medication:

Drinking alcohol can lead to impaired cognitive function, reduced reflexes, poor coordination, and drowsiness. As a result, it should not be mixed with medications that have similar effects on the brain. The combined impact of both substances can increase the risk of accidents and falls, with seniors being particularly vulnerable.

Both alcohol and medication are metabolized by the liver for elimination from the body. An increased alcohol intake can disrupt the liver’s processing of medications, affecting their effectiveness and potentially intensifying side effects.

Certain medications can be harmful to the liver when combined with alcohol, even at standard doses. Acetaminophen, a commonly used over-the-counter medication for pain and fever, is one example. Consult your pharmacist about the compatibility of your medication with alcohol and avoid drinking until you’ve received guidance.

Natural health products may also interact with alcohol or pose risks to the liver. It’s advisable to consult your pharmacist before consuming them.

Alcohol and Its Impact on Health:

Regular or excessive drinking can worsen specific medical conditions. For example:

• Diabetics who consume even small amounts of alcohol may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Alcohol increases urination, potentially leading to dehydration and exacerbating conditions like heart failure.
• The risk of seizures can be heightened with alcohol use.
• Alcohol can make it more challenging to control high blood pressure due to increased water retention and elevated blood pressure.
• Mental health issues may be aggravated by alcohol.

Moreover, medications prescribed to manage these medical conditions can also interact negatively with alcohol.

Individual responses to alcohol vary, particularly among those with health concerns. There is no universally safe quantity of alcohol to avoid these adverse effects. Therefore, it is essential to follow your pharmacist’s advice if they recommend abstaining from alcohol during your treatment.